Dynamic communication and method of use

ABSTRACT

A communication system and method for enhancing the effectiveness of wireless and wired systems. The communication system comprising a combination of (A) a communication device with two separate transceivers and a unique access number (B) said transceivers with a short-range wireless or wired transceiver and long-range wireless transceiver, (C) a communication management system from the group of local communication management system for individual coordinated device connectivity, distributed communication management system for management of multiple communication devices, (D) said communication management system performing dynamic switching of communication transceivers and dynamic addressing of communication devices within the network of communication devices. Suitable wireless medium include wireless optical means, wireless power-line carrier means, wireless radio-frequency means, and wireless radar means. Suitable wired medium include serial, parallel, USB, Firewire, Ethernet, optical fiber, and RS-485 communication means. The communication management system ensures seamless and ubiquitous communication between wired and wireless devices. The communication system, when utilizing dynamic communication for wireless or wired roaming communications in-conjunction with dynamic switching and addressing, enhances the performance and effectiveness that are beneficial to most communication devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Serial No. 60/261,637 filed Jan. 16, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to dynamic communication forwireless and wired roaming communications devices and methods forenhancing the communications channel medium, and in particular to theuse of dynamic switching and addressing in wireless and wiredcommunications to enhance the performance and cost effectiveness ofwireless and wired media.

[0003] This invention relates to telecommunications networks, and moreparticularly to telecommunications networks employing dynamic protocolswitching and addressing for communication links. The recent increase inwireless communications has created demands for less expensive meanswith faster response times and more system flexibility for universalaccess.

[0004] When the user requests communication from an area outside of theassigned geographic location, the requested communication must first besent to the assigned geographic location and then forwarded to its finaldestination. Disadvantageously, static Internet Protocol (IP) addressinghas been known to create long response times and possibly reducedthroughput. Attempts have been made to solve some of these problems withdynamic IP addressing. Dynamic IP addressing assigns a new temporary IPaddress local to the requesting device according to its currentlocation. Therefore, Internet access requests outside of the originallyassigned network do not have to be routed back through the originallyassigned network. Instead, communications may be processed directly atthe geographic location of the new temporary local address.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,725 discloses a communication system having alocal network communicating with a remote network for assigning adynamic IP address to a communication device and an IP network byproviding both local and non-local dynamic IP addressing to reduce theresponse times, increase service availability for Internet accessrequests, and allow access to more networks. Once a non-local dynamic IPaddress can be assigned to satisfy the address request, the non-localdynamic IP address will be maintained for the duration of thecommunication session between the communication device and the IPnetwork. Therefore the notion of dynamic addressing is limited to theestablishment of the communications session thus preventing dynamicaddressing and switching to occur within one communications session.

[0006] When the user requests wireless communication using traditionalcellular phone, the requested communication is channeled through anexpensive resource with relatively limited bandwidth. Disadvantageously,cellular phone systems are becoming more bandwidth constrained as boththe demand is increasing significantly and the applications demandingbandwidth are becoming more communications intensive. Attempts have beenmade to solve some of these problems with dual mode communicationswithin the cellular bandwidth. Dual mode handsets utilizes low rangecellular overlay cells to the requesting device to serve as a callforwarding transceiver according to its home location.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,259 discloses a multiple mode, personalwireless communications system that exists within a radiotelephonenetwork serving general customers and provides additional services to aselect group of customers. The system uses handsets that automaticallyswitch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation andan enhanced cordless mode when the handsets are within range of picocells that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network.The term “pico” is used herein to suggest a smaller size thanconventional cellular radio telephone cells. Pico cells are provided atcustomer selected locations to cooperate with a framework of overlaycells that operate independently of the cells of the cellular network.Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells thatoperates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a uniquecontrol protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Oncethe communications link is established, the inability to switch betweenmodes prevents seamless operation. Therefore the notion of dynamicswitching of modes is limited to the a) establishment of two modeswithin one radio per handset (in reality both modes are cellular modessimply using two channels, a low power channel and a high powerchannel), b) the handset is registered to one pico station designated as“home” that receives a call forwarded to the pico station telephonenumber, c) establishment of one communications link per pico station,and d) cancellation of short range pico mode when carried out of rangeof the pico station.

[0008] The present invention provides a new and improved wirelesscommunications enhancement for conveying of analog and digital data andmethod of use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a dynamiccommunication system is provided. The system includes an integratedshort-range wireless or wired transceiver, an integrated long-rangewireless transceiver, an integrated communication management system anda unique identification number therein.

[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, acommunication management system is provided. The communicationmanagement system includes a local communication management systemintegral to the InterActMe communication device and a distributedcommunication management systems that preferably establishes acommunications link with the short-range wireless or wired transceiver.

[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thecommunication management system utilizes a look up table to establishthe originator and terminator(s) link of the communications link and aprioritization process in choosing from multiple connection options. Theprocess includes the utilizing of algorithms to determine optimalswitching between short-range and long-range transceivers, between oneaddress and another address, between a channel manager and anotherchannel manager, and between one routing means and another routing meansand to determine the optimal time to switch of any of the precedingstates.

[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thecommunication device establishes a known geographic presence. Thegeographic presence is determined by numerous methods that includesignal strength triangulation, integrated global positioning systemswith actual communication device, and communication access port. Theprocesses that benefit from knowledge of geographic location arenumerous that include safety, marketing, optimal routing, addressing,and communications link, audit trail for payroll, to individualprofiling.

[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention,the communication device extends the notion of caller identification(Caller-ID). The Caller-ID extension includes both the call originatorand call terminator access numbers (prior referenced names can bealternatively shown).

[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, thecommunication device reads context sensitive data. The context sensitivedata is read by numerous methods that include bar code scanners, radiofrequency identification tags, infrared transceivers, and opticalreaders.

[0015] As used herein, the term communication management system is usedto imply the coordinated and integrated operations of local and remotechannel managers, dynamic routing systems, and a routing manager system.

[0016] The term “wireless” refers to the non-wired measures to establishcommunications. This includes though not limited to infrared, radiofrequency, cellular, radar, and power-line carrier.

[0017] The term “wired” refers to the use of physical electrical oroptical connectivity to establish communications. This includes thoughnot limited to the use of serial, parallel, USB, Firewire, Ethernet,optical fiber, and RS-485 port communication.

[0018] The term “access number” refers to the traditional identificationnumber utilized within the respective communication protocol. Exemplaryaccess numbers include telephone numbers, Internet Protocol addresses,device path and node numbers, unique identification numbers that arecross-referenced in a table.

[0019] The term “access port” refers to the physical port at which thewireless communication is transmitted and received from thecommunications system to each communications device.

[0020] The term “seamless” refers to the transparent, non-noticeable,and continuous maintenance of communications despite the transition fromone communications medium, port, or device to another.

[0021] The term “algorithm” refers to calculations, rules, and parametervalues utilized to determine the change of state in a deterministicmanner.

[0022] The term “warning signal” refers to visual, audio, mechanicalsignals indicating the occurrence of a specific event or status of aspecific parameter. This includes though not limited to LEDs, tonegenerator, LCD display, vibrator, and lights.

[0023] The term “communications link” refers to the successfulbi-directional conveyance of data, whether analog or digital, betweentwo or more communication devices.

[0024] The term “threshold” refers to an operational range for one ormore critical parameters that establishes a targeted envelope ofoperation.

[0025] The term “phone call” refers to the simultaneous bi-directionalexchange of digital or analog data, which includes standard voice anddata exchange.

[0026] The term “walkie-talkie” refers to uni-directional exchange ofdigital or analog data, which includes messaging, paging, data exchange,and standard voice.

[0027] One advantage of the present invention is that cost effectivenessof wireless and wired communications is increased.

[0028] Another advantage of the present invention is that cellularchannel resources are reduced, by utilizing alternative short-rangecommunication means.

[0029] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that thedynamic addressing and look up tables enhance ubiquitous communication.

[0030] A further advantage of the present invention derives fromidentification of both the communications link originator and terminatorto minimize non-prioritized interruptions and to maximize communicationsinteractions.

[0031] A yet further advantage of the invention is that multiplecommunication means can be seamlessly transitioned between communicationchannels, means, and access numbers.

[0032] A still further advantage of the present invention is that designflexibility of new open wireless standards is significantly greater thanthe relatively closed cellular standards.

[0033] A yet further advantage of the present invention is extensivesecondary benefits associated with the integrated knowledge ofgeographic location and ubiquitous communications.

[0034] A still further advantage of the present invention is theestablishment of special device class to maintain network securityamongst traditional network devices.

[0035] Other advantages of the present invention derive from theintegrated knowledge of context sensitive data, knowledge of geographiclocation, knowledge of communications device owner identification,knowledge database in communication system, dynamic access and control,and real-time ubiquitous communications.

[0036] Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in and will be apparent from the detailed description of thepresently preferred embodiments. It should be understood that variouschanges and modifications to the presently preferred embodimentsdescribed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Suchchanges and modifications can be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendantadvantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modificationsbe covered by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention will now be described in more detail withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0038]FIG. 1 is a schematic depicting three data lookup tables utilizedby the data router;

[0039]FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of communication links betweenmultiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a wide areanetwork;

[0040]FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of communication links betweenmultiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a local areanetwork with multiple access points;

[0041]FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of communication links betweenmultiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a local areanetwork within the same access point;

[0042]FIG. 5 is a schematic depicting one database record for onecommunication device in the inventive manner indicating dynamicconnectivity information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] A dynamic communications system and methods for comprising acombination of (A) a wireless communication device with two separatetransceivers and a unique access number, (B) said transceiver with ashort-range wireless or wired transceiver and long-range wirelesstransceiver, (C) a communication management system from the group oflocal communication management system for individual coordinated deviceconnectivity, distributed communication management system for managementof multiple communication devices, (D) said communication managementsystem performing dynamic switching of communication transceivers anddynamic addressing of communication devices when used in a wirelesscommunications system, has a number of advantages, including increasedcost effectiveness, increased long-range wireless resource capacity,increased communications flexibility, superior management flexibilityand providing seamless and stable performance.

[0044] The wireless communication device is with configured both ashort-range wireless or wired channel and a long-range wireless channel,and a corresponding InterActMe number, hereinafter referred to as“InterActMe Device”, useful in this invention are those of standardwired and wireless means. The standard wireless means are selected fromthe group of wireless optical means, wireless power-line carrier means,wireless radio-frequency means, and wireless radar means. For example,infrared, Bluetooth, cellular or other suitable wireless communicationsmeans may be used to form a communications link. The standard wiredmeans are selected from the group of serial, parallel, USB, Firewire,Ethernet, optical fiber, and RS-485 port communication.

[0045] The preferred short-range communications means is influenced by anumber of factors, including cost effectiveness, range and protocolcharacteristics (superior protocols are efficient in their bandwidthutilization and handle numerous devices simultaneously). Preferredshort-range communication means have minimal interference from thelong-range wireless means and from a multiple of short-range devices(expressed in terms of the number average value of the maximum nodesnumber within the operating range) of from about 1 device and 10,000devices. More preferred short-range communications means have a maximumnodes number of from about 10 devices to about 256 devices. Particularlypreferred short-range communications means have a particle maximum nodenumber of from about 256 devices. Above about 256 devices, theinterference factor affects the stability of the communications linkoutweighing the benefits of multiple devices. Within the preferredrange, some of the protocols may utilize code division multiplexing toincrease the effective bandwidth.

[0046] The preferred long-range wireless means is influenced by a numberof factors, including cost effectiveness, range and protocolcharacteristics (superior protocols are efficient in their bandwidthutilization and handle numerous devices simultaneously). Preferredlong-range wireless means have minimal interference from the short-rangewireless means and from a multiple of long-range wireless devices(expressed in terms of the number average value of the maximum nodesnumber within the operating range) of from about 1 device and 100,000devices and various multiplexing schemes. More preferred long-rangewireless means have a maximum nodes number of from about 100 devices toabout 10,000 devices. Particularly preferred long-range wireless meanshave a maximum node number from about 1,000 devices with code divisionmultiplexing or time division multiplexing and spread spectrum. Morepreferred long-range wireless means utilize code division multiplexingand spread spectrum radio frequency cellular communications standards.

[0047] Preferred unique access numbers for identifying the specificowner of communication device have a broad range of possibilities,hereinafter referred to as “InterActMe Access Number”. Exemplary uniqueaccess numbers include a standard telephone number, an Internet Protocoladdress, a government assigned identification number (such as SocialSecurity Number with a preceding country code), or a company assigned128 bit encrypted number.

[0048] In the preferred embodiment, the local communication managementsystem for individual coordinated device connectivity of each InterActMeDevice seeks to establish a communications link with the short-rangechannel preferably over the long-range channel. The short-range link ispreferably utilized when ample signal strength and bandwidth isavailable, and authorized access & registration is acknowledged. Thisprovides reduced cost associated with more expensive cellular resourcesand service provider.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the communications link is utilizedto transfer digital data and analog data that represents data and voicebetween the originator and terminator(s) over the chosen channel totheir respective access number(s), utilizing their respective protocolsas managed by a communication management system. Both a localcommunication management system on the InterActMe Device and distributedcommunication management system manage and coordinate the actions andinteractions between the individual components at the communicationsdevice level and all InterActMe devices respectively.

[0050] Particularly preferred communications links are betweenInterActMe access numbers that are cross-referenced in the InterActMeLookup Table (FIG. 1 #13), which is utilized to provide current accessnumber(s) or sequential prioritization of access number(s) by theInterActMe Routing Manager (FIG. 1 #10) as detailed in the table shownas FIG. 5. Exemplary database fields include: Current Access Mode In &Out, Current Access Number, Current Protocol, Current Dynamic Address, aseries of Priority Numbers in sequential preference order with theirrespective Protocol, and e-mail Address all cross-referenced (e.g.,index) by the InterActMe Access Number. The method may further includeInterActMe Access Numbers with their respective protocols for a widerange of data content. Exemplary types of data content include fax,e-mail, voice-mail, cellular, dynamic or static Internet Protocoladdress with their respective protocols. The method may further includea wide range of personal, professional, and marketing information in anobject oriented, relational, semantic, or flat-file databasecross-referenced by InterActMe Access Number. Said Current Access ModeIn & Out is the parameter to store the mode of operation for theInterActMe Device respectively for calls initiated by the device andcalls terminated to the device. Said Current Access Number is theparameter that stores any call forwarding access numbers in the eventthat the InterActMe Access Number is not otherwise available. SaidCurrent Protocol is the parameter to store the communication protocolutilized to establish a communication link at the aforementioned CurrentAccess Number. Said Current Dynamic Address is the parameter to storethe InterActMe assigned address currently being utilized in thecommunication link. The Current Dynamic Address includes theidentification of InterActMe Local Channel Manager and InterActMe RemoteChannel Manager in addition to the unique identifier of channel at therespective channel manager.

[0051] Each InterActMe in the preferred embodiment can operate inaccordance to two Local Modes of operation that include Static LocalChannel Manager (FIG. 4) and Dynamic Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3). Inthe event that the existing short-range link falls below the localthreshold of signal strength and bandwidth availability from theInterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) a warning signal isgenerated on the InterActMe (FIG. 4 #33) while in either Local Mode. Theshort-range link is maintained until the signal strength and bandwidthavailability fall below the dropout specification.

[0052] Each InterActMe Device in the more preferred embodiment operatesin the Dynamic Local Channel Manager mode. The InterActMe Device, whilein the Dynamic Local Channel Manager mode, transfers the communicationslink from the original InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) tothe next InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #23) as it enters its'coverage area. Both Local Modes ensure a seamless communications linkbetween the authorized InterActMe Device to other authorized InterActMeDevice(s), solely through the InterActMe Local Channel Manager(s). TheLocal Communication Management System is capable of establishing acommunications link between one InterActMe Device to another InterActMeDevice directly as further enabled or disabled at its respective device,though limited by the strict implementation of the short-range accessprotocol, independent of the InterActMe System.

[0053] The preferred embodiment further includes sub-modes of the LocalMode for each InterActMe Device whereby the device operates as either atelephone or walkie-talkie. The exemplary telephone mode enables themaking and receiving of a “phone call” in the same end-user proceduralmanner as the standard plain old telephone. The InterActMe system,however, orchestrates the translation of access number(s) in accordanceto the invention disclosure transparent to the end-user. A “phone call”includes exemplary standard phone features such as conference calling,call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail retrieval and recording, andpager operations. The exemplary walkie-talkie mode enables asynchronouscommunications between multiple InterActMe Devices in the same end-userprocedural manner as the standard two-way radio. The InterActMe Systemagain, however, orchestrates the translation of access number(s) inaccordance to the invention disclosure transparent to the end-user.

[0054] An exemplary operational procedure of the Static Local ChannelManager is generally as follows:

[0055] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) registers with theInterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) its presence.

[0056] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) requests a phone callor walk-talkie communication with a specified access number(s) to theInterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32). The specified accessnumber(s) can be other InterActMe numbers or traditional telephonenumbers (that include fax, pager, cellular, and plain old telephonesystem).

[0057] InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) communicates withInterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 4 #31) to determine the communicationslink to the requested access number(s).

[0058] InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) establishes thecommunications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4#34) with the requested access number(s).

[0059] Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) or InterActMeLocal/ Remote Device (FIG. 4 #34) can terminate the communications linkat anytime.

[0060] An exemplary operational procedure of the Dynamic Local ChannelManager is generally as follows:

[0061] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) registers with theInterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) its presence.

[0062] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) requests a phone callor walk-talkie communication with a specified access number(s) to theInterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22). The specified accessnumber(s) can be other InterActMe numbers or traditional telephonenumbers (that include fax, pager, cellular, and plain old telephonesystem).

[0063] InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) communicates withInterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 3 #21) to determine the communicationslink to the requested access number(s).

[0064] InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) established thecommunications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3#26) with the requested access number(s) through the determinedInterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #23).

[0065] The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) that has theestablished communications link, hereinafter referred to as access port,with the InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25), hereinafterreferred to as access node, is responsible for maintaining the strengthof signal communications link between the access port and access node inaccordance to the “local threshold”. In the event that the existingshort-range link falls below the local to another local switchthreshold, hereinafter referred to as “local threshold” (c.g., signalstrength and bandwidth availability) a warning signal is generated onthe InterActMe. The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #23) islikewise responsible for InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #26) inthe same manner.

[0066] The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) moves theaccess port seamlessly to the next InterActMe Local Channel Manager asdetermined by the InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 3 #21) in a seamlessmanner.

[0067] Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) or InterActMeLocal/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #26) can terminate the communications linkat any time.

[0068] Multiple sub-modes of the two Local Modes (Dynamic Local ChannelManager and Static Local Channel Manager) are anticipated in thepreferred embodiment. Exemplary sub-modes include:

[0069] InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through one InterActMe LocalChannel Manager.

[0070] InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through one initiatingInterActMe Local Channel Manager and another receiving InterActMe LocalChannel Manager.

[0071] InterActMe can initiate “walkie-talkie” directly to otherInterActMe devices without any interaction of InterActMe Local ChannelManager.

[0072] InterActMe can receive “phone call” through an InterActMe LocalChannel Manager.

[0073] InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through an InterActMe LocalChannel Manager to other InterActMes on the same InterActMe LocalChannel Manager.

[0074] InterActMe can enable seamless access from the one initiatingInterActMe Local Channel Manager to the next InterActMe Local ChannelManager, which becomes the new “initiating” InterActMe Local ChannelManager.

[0075] While in Cellular Mode, only the long-range link is enabled forcommunication. The InterActMe device's short-range abilities areeffectively disabled. This mode effectively prevents the presencedetection of an InterActMe Local Channel Manager from establishing anyform of communications with the InterActMe. Cellular Mode is analogousto the Dynamic Local Channel Manager, yet replaced with the CellularBase Station (FIG. 2 #4).

[0076] An exemplary operational procedure of the InterActMe CellularBase Station is generally as follows:

[0077] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) registers with theCellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) its presence.

[0078] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) requests a phone callor walk-talkie communication with a specified access number(s) to theInterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3). The specified accessnumber(s) can be other InterActMe numbers or traditional telephonenumbers (that include fax, pager, cellular, and plain old telephonesystem).

[0079] InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3) communicates withInterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 2 #1) to determine the communicationslink to the requested access number(s).

[0080] InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3) established thecommunications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2#6) with the requested access number(s) through the determinedInterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #6).

[0081] The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) that has the establishedcommunications link, hereinafter referred to as access port, with theInterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5), hereinafter referred to asaccess node, is responsible for maintaining the strength of signalcommunications link between the access port and access node inaccordance to the “remote threshold”. The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2#4) is likewise responsible for maintaining the communications link withthe InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5).

[0082] The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) moves the access portseamlessly to the next Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) as determinedby the service control unit of the standard cellular infrastructure in aseamless manner.

[0083] The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #2) maintains andestablishes the communications link to the other InterActMe Local/RemoteDevice (FIG. 2 #6) with the requested access number(s). The accessnumber(s) are controlled in accordance with the selected operationalmode of the respective InterActMe access number.

[0084] Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) or accessInterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #6) can terminate thecommunications link at any time.

[0085] The InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) can also operateas a standard cellular phone. An exemplary operational procedure of thestandard cellular phone is generally as follows:

[0086] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) can also simplyoperate as a standard cellular phone and thus request a phone call witha specified access number, through the Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2#4), that is a traditional telephone number (that include fax, pager,cellular, and plain old telephone system) or Internet Protocol address.

[0087] The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) moves the access portseamlessly to the next Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) as determinedby the service control unit of the standard cellular infrastructure in aseamless manner.

[0088] Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) or connectedphone access number can terminate the communications link at any time.

[0089] Multiple sub-modes of Cellular Mode are anticipated in thepreferred embodiment. Exemplary sub-modes include:

[0090] InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through a Cellular BaseStation.

[0091] InterActMe can receive “phone call” through a Cellular BaseStation.

[0092] InterActMe can initiate “phone call” through a Cellular BaseStation and subsequently through an InterActMe Remote Channel Manager asrouted to other InterActMes on their respective InterActMe Local ChannelManager or InterActMe Remote Channel Manager.

[0093] InterActMe can receive “phone call” through a Cellular BaseStation and subsequently through an InterActMe Remote Channel Manager asrouted to other InterActMes on their respective InterActMe Local ChannelManager or InterActMe Remote Channel Manager.

[0094] All phone call actions as characterized above can be replaced bywalkie-talkie actions, Internet Access to IP address actions.

[0095] InterActMe can initiate “walkie-talkie” directly to otherInterActMe devices without any interaction of InterActMe Local ChannelManager, InterActMe Remote Channel Manager or Cellular Base Station.

[0096] The most preferred embodiment of the invention is for allInterActMe Devices to operate in the Seamless Mode. The Seamless Modeenables dynamic and seamless switching between Cellular Base Station(FIG. 2 #4) and InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #2), in theevent that the existing short-range link falls below the local to remoteswitch threshold, hereinafter referred to as “seamless threshold” (e.g.,signal strength and bandwidth availability). A warning signal isgenerated on the InterActMe to indicate a switch to and from the remoteand local channel manager. The warning signal can optionally beindicative of whether now in remote or local mode. The pitch of thewarning signal can differentiate between the two modes. An additionalaudible signal can be generated periodically as a reminder of the actualoperational mode of the Local Communication Management System(short-range or long-range). The short-range link remains the mostpreferred and thus the primary communications link until the seamlessthreshold is reached at which time the InterActMe (FIG. 1 #5) initiatesa long-range wireless standby communications link through the InterActMeRemote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3). Upon the successful establishment ofthe standby link between the new InterActMe Remote Channel Manager andthe current InterActMe Local Channel Manager, in accordance toInterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 2 #1) on behalf of the InterActMe (FIG.1 #5), the communications link is transferred from the currentInterActMe Local Channel Manager to the InterActMe Remote ChannelManager. The reverse process occurs when the seamless thresholdestablishes a short-range standby communications link between thecurrent InterActMe Remote Channel Manager and the new designatedInterActMe Local Channel Manager.

[0097] The preferred embodiment utilizes an InterActMe Dynamic Routerthat selects the optimal communications link utilizing an algorithm tominimize customer cost (e.g., preference of local channel manager overremote channel manager), to minimize frequency of switching betweenlocal channel managers (e.g., preference of access port with increasesignal strength, increased operational range, and consistent withdirection of travel), to maximize communications link quality, and toensure routing capacity availability. Numerous algorithms can be used todetermine optimal routing with exemplary factors such as historicalperformance, membership privileges, and features provided by one localchannel manager versus other accessible local channel managers (e.g.,security encryption, “home” access port, exclusion list of local channelmanagers, etc.). Additional algorithms are included in the morepreferred embodiment to determine optimal switching time with exemplaryfactors such as rate of signal strength deterioration or increase,overlap bands in registered thresholds of local threshold, remotethreshold, and seamless threshold.

[0098] The more preferred embodiment further incorporates dynamicaddressing to optimize the communications link throughout thecommunications infrastructure. Numerous algorithms can be used todetermine optimal switching time of dynamic address with exemplaryfactors such as time to register a new dynamic address (to avoidswitching latency that may jeopardize seamless link between two channelmanagers). Numerous methods are available to achieve the desiredbenefits of dynamic addressing with one exemplary method of Dynamic HostConfiguration Protocol (DHCP) server, the historically traditionalissuer of dynamic addresses on a local basis. Additional methods includea Network Address Translation (NAT) server. The more preferred method isthe InterActMe Routing Management System implementing a dynamicaddressing scheme and comprised of a network of distributed InterActMeRouting Managers. Said dynamic addressing scheme provides for algorithmsthat optimize the selection of an address for each InterActMe Devicethroughout the entire communications process, not solely during theestablishment of the communications device as a recognized device andnot solely during the establishment of the initial communications link.Further methods incorporated into the preferred embodiment of theinvention include the direct linking of “remote” addresses to a localtable of corresponding “local” addresses. The resulting benefits ofdynamic addressing are reduced communication latency times, ability touse priority designated tunnels of communication between all InterActMeRemote Channel Managers and InterActMe Local Channel Managers, and theability of a wide range of devices to serve within one integrated andunified communications system.

[0099] The more preferred embodiment establishes a special device classto differentiate between InterActMe Devices and non-InterActMe Devices(e.g., standard network devices). Improved network security ismaintained by enabling a limited range of communications as compared totraditional Internet Protocol (IP) communications to InterActMe Devices.The method may further include an extension of traditional calleridentification systems (Caller-ID) to become a true unifiedcommunications system. Each InterActMe Device takes advantage of saidextended Caller-ID features by making known to the desired callterminator InterActMe Device both the call originator (standard callerid) and the desired call terminator (extended caller id). This featureis highly desirable of an InterActMe device especially under the dynamicaddressing scheme due to one InterActMe Device serving effectivelymultiple InterActMe access numbers concurrently. The Caller-ID accessnumber or prior referenced names can be alternatively shown or vocalizedusing a text to speech synthesizer.

[0100] The call terminator is a critical parameter, within the preferredembodiment of the InterActMe System, in the determination of handlingprocedure to establish communication link. Exemplary of this importanceis a business communications link being routed to voice mail directly inaccordance to a time of day and calendar schedule. Therefore the unifiedcommunications system avoids undesirable interruptions. Further processhandling can be easily achieved such as screening-in or screening-outfilters. The method may further include a distinct ring to distinguishbetween a certain call terminator and others. A further exemplary is achildren's communication link being routed to voice mail directly inaccordance to a time of day and calendar schedule along with screen-inand/or screen-out filters. The freedom and flexibility of everyemployee, family member, etc. having their own InterActMe deviceintroduces significant management demands to effectively disable certaincommunications links at specified times.

[0101] Each InterActMe in the preferred embodiment is further capable,within the full functionality of the InterActMe system, to make knownits geographic location through the known location of each activeInterActMe Local Channel Manager, with further geographic locationdetermination by triangulation of signal strengths of multipleInterActMe Local Channel Managers. An InterActMe can be furtherconfigured with a global positioning system (GPS), said GPS establishesprecise location through triangulation with multiple satellite systems,to establish precise geographic location. An InterActMe can be furtherconfigured with a local positioning system (LPS), said LPS establishesprecise location through triangulation with multiple local transmittingsystems, to establish precise geographic location. When such precisegeographic location is known, the InterActMe system is further capableof proactively utilizing this location for displaying graphically thelocation to the specified parties authorized to know such information,for conveying geographic specific messages such as the issuance of awelcome message. The welcome message can take the form of awalkie-talkie voice message, a phone call voice message, an e-mailmessage, issuance of coupons, or simply an acknowledgement ofregistration. Other purposes of geographic location include safety,marketing, optimal routing, addressing, and communications link, audittrail for payroll, audit trail for security, to individual profiling.

[0102] The preferred embodiment may further include software to controlthe InterActMe Local Channel Manager to exclude any third party fromknowledge of presence, audit trail, billing, and communication latency.The owner of the Local Channel Manager may further subscribe to a useridentification service to learn a wide range of information about theInterActMe owner. Information may further include buying preferences,knowledge of geographic location restrictions, customer identification.

[0103] In yet another alternative embodiment, the InterActMe system canfurther utilize the knowledge of geographic location coupled with thesystem's database knowledge of known geographic locations and coverageareas of every InterActMe Local Channel Manager to enable or disable theutilization of the short-range communication mode, thereby conservingbattery power and communications bandwidth.

[0104] In yet another alternative embodiment, the InterActMe in thepreferred embodiment is further capable, within the full functionalityof the InterActMe system, of utilizing an integrated data scanner (e.g.,read system such as radio frequency identification tags, opticalreaders, infrared transceiver, bar code etc.) to trigger specificmessages between InterActMe and InterActMe Local Channel Manager (oralternatively to the InterActMe Remote Channel Manager). Utilization ofscanned information initiates the conveying of a wide variety of contextsensitive information. Included in this context sensitive scheme, thoughnot limited, are the following: a) registration of an individualInterActMe into a specific channel manager, b) inquiry of productpricing information and/or generation of manufacturer's coupon, c)broadcast of known geographic location to InterActMe system, d)broadcast of user's identification to a specific registered device, ande) authorization to initiate the sending of encrypted transactionalinformation.

[0105] The invention has been described with reference to the preferredembodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon reading and understanding the preceding detaileddescription. It is intended that the invention be construed as includingall such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within thescope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A communication system comprising a combinationof (A) a wireless communication device with two separate transceiversand a unique access number (B) said transceivers with a short-rangewireless or wired transceiver and long-range wireless transceiver, (C) acommunication management system from the group of local communicationmanagement system for individual coordinated device connectivity,distributed communication management system for management of multiplecommunication devices, (D) said communication management systemperforming dynamic switching of communication transceivers and dynamicaddressing of communication devices within the network of communicationdevices.
 2. The wireless transceivers of claim 1, wherein the standardwireless means further comprising the step of selecting from the groupof wireless optical means, wireless power-line carrier means, wirelessradio-frequency means, and wireless radar means; in that said wirelessmeans has minimal interference between the short-range means andlong-range means, and from multiple devices within the same wirelessmeans; and in that said wireless means has multiplexing means furtherselected from the group of code division and time division multiplexingto increase maximum node devices.
 3. The unique access number of claim1, wherein the access number is selected from one of the group ofstandard telephone number, Internet Protocol address, governmentassigned identification number, and company assigned encrypted number;in that said unique access number is cross-referenced in a lookup tableto provide current access numbers and sequential prioritization ofaccess numbers by a routing manager; and in that said is unique accessnumber is cross-referenced in a database further comprising the step ofselecting type from the group of object-oriented, relational, semantic,and flat-file databases, and is further comprised of data files selectedfrom the group of personal, professional, marketing, fax, e-mail,voice-mail, cellular, dynamic or static Internet Protocol address,pager, membership, and historic data.
 4. The communication managementsystem performing dynamic switching of communication transceivers ofclaim 1 is further comprised of a local communication management systemon the communication device and a distributed communication managementsystem that manages and coordinates the actions and interactions betweenthe individual components at the device level and system level, whereinthe local communication management system preferably establishes acommunications link with the short-range wireless transceiver; in thatsaid communications link the type of data transferred is furtherselected from the group of digital and analog data between originatorand terminator devices; in that said communications link furtheroperates in a mode selected from the group of static and dynamic modesof operation with local and remote channel managers; and that said modegenerates a warning signal when the signal strength and bandwidthavailability falls below a local threshold, and below a remotethreshold.
 5. The communication devices of claim 1, wherein the devicesoperates as selected from the group of telephone with operations of datatransfer further comprising the selection step of simultaneousbi-directional exchange of digital or analog data, or walkie-talkie withoperations further of data transfer comprising the selection step ofunidirectional exchange of digital or analog data; and that said data isfurther selected from the group of messaging, paging, data exchange, andstandard voice data; and that said telephone features selected from thegroup of conference calling, call waiting, call forwarding, and voicemail retrieval and recording.
 6. The communication management systems ofclaim 4, wherein the management system utilizes thresholds in itsdynamic algorithms further comprising the step of selecting from thegroup of local threshold that enables dynamic switching betweenshort-range channel managers, or remote threshold that enables dynamicswitching between long-range channel managers, or seamless thresholdthat enables dynamic switching between short-range and long-rangecommunication channel managers.
 7. The communication management systemmode of claim 6, wherein the mode is further selected from the group ofstatic and dynamic sub-modes.
 8. The communication management systemsdynamic switching of claim 6, wherein the dynamic switch occurs when astandby communications link is successfully established.
 9. The dynamicalgorithms of claim 6, wherein the algorithms select the optimalcommunications link utilizing factors selected from the group ofcustomer cost, frequency of switching, communications link quality,historical performance, membership privileges, available channel managerfeatures, and rate of signal strength deterioration or increase.
 10. Thedynamic algorithms of claim 6, wherein the algorithms select the optimaladdress utilizing factors selected from the group of time to register anew dynamic address, communications latency times, and routing capacityavailability.
 11. The dynamic address of claim 10, wherein the dynamicaddress is optimized throughout the communications process that furtherincludes the establishment of the device as a recognized device and theestablishment of the device with an initial communications link.
 12. Thecommunication devices of claim 1, wherein the device is in a specialdevice class to differentiate between communication devices disclosed inthe invention and standard network devices, said special device classimproves network security.
 13. The communication management system ofclaim 1, wherein the management system extends the traditional calleridentification systems by making known both the call originator and thedesired call terminator.
 14. The communication management system ofclaim 13, wherein the management system serves multiple access numbersconcurrently; in that said multiple access numbers are further handledas selected from the group of distinct ring to distinguish between acertain call terminator and others, routing to voice-mail, andscreening-in and screening-out filters for process handling ofcommunications link.
 15. The communication devices of claim 1, whereinthe device makes known its geographic location; in that said geographiclocation is determined by the step of selecting from the group ofchannel manager known location, triangulation of signal strengths frommultiple channel managers with their known location, global positioningsystem, or local positioning system.
 16. The knowledge of geographiclocation of claim 15, wherein the location is utilized for multiplefunctions selected from the group of displaying graphically the locationto specified and authorized parties, conveying geographic specificmessages such as the issuance of welcome messages, safety, marketing,optimal routing, addressing, communications link, audit trail forpayroll, audit trail for security, and individual profiling.
 17. Thewelcome message of claim 16, wherein the message takes the multipleforms as selected from the group of walkie-talkie voice message, a phonecall voice message, an e-mail message, issuance of coupons, andacknowledgement of registration.
 18. The communication management systemof claim 1, wherein the management system further includes software toperform a wide range of control; in that said control software isselected from the group excluding any third party from knowledge ofpresence, audit trail, billing, communications latency, useridentification services; and that said user identification services areselected from the group of buying preferences, geographic locationrestrictions, and customer identification.
 19. The knowledge ofgeographic location of claim 15, wherein the location coupled with thecommunication system's knowledge of known geographic locations andcoverage areas of channel managers is utilized to enable or disable theshort-range communication modes, said disabling conserves battery powerand communications bandwidth.
 20. The communication devices of claim 1,wherein the device utilizes an integrated data scanner to triggerspecific messages with context sensitive information between device andchannel manager; in that said data scanner is selected from the group ofbar code scanner, read system such as radio frequency identificationtags, optical readers, and infrared transceiver; and that said contextsensitive information is selected from the group of registration of anindividual communication device into a specific channel manager, inquiryof product pricing information, generation of manufacturer's coupon,broadcast of known geographic location to communication managementsystem, broadcast of user's identification to a specific registereddevice, and authorization to initiate the sending of encryptedtransactional information.